Finally got a chance to get back to the cluster..... and got it out.

Not sure how much of the difference was a 30* increase in temperature (from 20* to 50*) making my hands more capable and how much of the difference was a 30* increase in temperature making plastic bits more malleable.....

But the only difference between last week's dead stop and this week's "ok, yeah, it's starting to give, here she comes!" was the warmer temperature.

FLAPS didn't have the right bulb (turn signal indicator) so I picked one up this morning at the local dealer. Sheesh - $9.58 for a light bulb!

Thanks to all for your suggestions and guidance.

__________________
1961 220b: first project car - sold.
2000 CLK 430: first modern Benz - sold.
2001 CLK 55: OMG the torque!!! - sold
1972 280SE 4.5: Baby Gustav
1991 300TE 4Matic: Gretel the Snow Bunny - sold
1978 300SD: Katz the Free Man - given away
1980 Redhead: Darling Wife